Parent's view: Looking after yourself

Looking after someone with depression is NOT easy. It can be very hard work, particularly when you care about that person deeply and when you want to help them to feel better (and sometimes everything you try doesn’t seem to make a difference).

Where does that leave you? Do you tend to keep your own needs at the end of your ‘to do’ list? Do you still do the things that matter to you and that give you meaning?

Parent’s reflection:

You really need to look after yourself. I know, it’s easy to say. The thing is, looking after anyone with depression is hard work. There is no moment when the fever breaks, the temperature drops, the blood tests say “normal”. There is only judgment. Considered judgment. Yours and the doctor’s. This requires a degree of trust from a parent. You learn to trust the counselling, the professionals, your own judgment and your child. Like I said, at the end of this journey you will have grown. Growing is hard work and it takes energy! So look after yourself any way you can; swim, run, walk, get outside and away from your household environment for a while each day. Meet friends, eat well and give yourself and your depressed teenager some treats along the way.